Reindeer do not like to swim. Look at birds. They are accustomed to flying, so water is obviously to be avoided, unless they are consuming it. Birds never swim because, for many species of birds (with the exception of avian species), swimming poses a great risk as birds are not naturally adapted to swim. This is congruent to the condition of reindeer. The key idea here: All species are risk adverse.
However, given special circumstances, reindeer will venture into water. For example, if a reindeer is being pursued by wolves, the reindeer will find its way into a stream in order discourage the wolves from attacking.
Generally, reindeer can't fly. Reindeer are mammals, and the only mammals that can truly fly are bats. There are some species of squirrels and possums which have membranes of skin between their forelegs and ankles which they use to glide, but they are not in control of their 'fall'.
Except - Santa's reindeer are different. It is said that the reindeer that pull Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve can fly.
Whether it is only on that one night, once a year, or whether they are special reindeer which can fly all year 'round (not that they need to) is yet to be determined.
See also the related question.
Was the original name of Santa's reindeer Donner or Donder?
The reindeer's name was originally given as "Dunder," which corresponded to Blitzen's original name, "Blixem." "Dunder" and "Blixem" mean "Thunder" and "Lightning."
What are the names as santas 9 reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph
What are the names of Santa's reindeer that pull his sleigh?
DASHER, DANCER, PRANCER, VIXEN, COMET, CUPID, DONNER, BLITZEN, AND OF COURSE RUDOLPH!! p.s RUDOLPH does not count as the 8 reindeer
What do reindeer eat at Christmas?
they eat carrots , apples 2 or 3 cookies and sometimes a stick of celery if there are no carrots or cookies available.
Why do whitetail shed their antlers?
Yes. All species of deer lose their antlers and then grow back new bigger ones.
What adaptations does a reindeer have?
Reindeer have a thick coat of fur to help them endure the cold climates that they live in. Also, the males have large antlers for protection and dominance.
Which reindeer's name is also the name of a kitchen cleanser?
=The reindeer who's name is also the name of a kitchen cleanser is COMET=
What are the names of all 9 sant's reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder/Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph
What two countries do reindeer live in?
Reindeer (also known as Caribou) are decently widespread.
They can be found in Norway, Finland, Greenland, Alaska (USA), Canada, and of course: Siberia, Russia.
What are Santa's reindeer like?
I would recommend Carrots, Apples or this simple recipe for the Reindeer that I have done for years. (it may be messy, though) First, Get some non flavored oatmeal. Second, get some Glitter (so the Reindeer can see it in the moonlight) and Third, put it in a container and mix it well.
The Reindeer seem to enjoy it! But be careful, if you live in an Apartment or Condo, because it is very VERY messy. And for Santa, Leave out some chocolate cookies, because he LOVES chocolate. I always used to write Letters and leave them under the cookie plate, and he always seemed to take them. Just a tip, Get your presents wrapped because it is really fun to rip open the wrap.
Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Do reindeer migrate in the winter?
Yes, Reindeer do migrate every year. see related link for some interesting facts about their migration.
How do you play roudolph the red nosed reindeer on recorder?
Well, I'm sorry... That question can't be answered On http://.wiki.answers.com
Where did Santa's elves come from?
In 1821, the poem "Old Santeclaus with Much Delight" was published. The author's mother was an Idigineous person from the Arctic. She had seen reindeer where she had lived, and had heard legends that they were mystical beasts who were able to fly. Santa has been associated with snow for a long time, and the Arctic/North Pole was not largely discovered until the mid 1800s (which made it the perfect place for him to live).
Do female reindeer have antlers too?
Well, yes. Female reindeer keep their antlers. Although, in spite of the fact I am a true fan of science(I am an aithiest. I only celebrate Christmas for fun), I disagree with the fact they are all female. It is most likely, but come on- the guy's magic! Of course, they would need a male to repreduce, so they have to have at least 1 male, or they would die out. female reindeers do no have antlers and they are a doe.male reindeers have antlers